The San Antonio Spurs are preparing to begin a four-week stretch of games where they're expected to be without their All-Star point guard Tony Parker, as their first opponent during the stretch will be the visiting Detroit Pistons.

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said guard Gary Neal (tightness, left calf) and forward Boris Diaw (low back strain) will also join Parker on the injury bench.

Canadian second year guard Cory Joseph will be making the start at point guard, while Stephen Jackson will return to the lineup off the bench after recovering from a right sprained ankle.

Pistons coach Lawrence Frank didn't feel the Spurs will have too much of a struggle without Parker for about a month, as he made some comments on the Spurs in his pregame interview.

Lawrence Frank on beating the #Spurs in DET: “When you’re playing one of theheavy weights, everyone has to bring their best.” #Pistons

About Paul Garcia

Paul is a San Antonio Spurs credentialed media member for Project Spurs. He covered the 2013 NBA All-Star Game in Houston, TX, and the 2013 and 2014 NBA Finals. Paul has been featured on WOAI, Fox 29, and numerous nationwide radio shows.